COVID-19 represents an unprecedented challenge to our community 

The Municipality of Clarington’s resources and diverse network of relationships position us to help confront this crisis in vitally important ways. One such way is by connecting community organizations with individuals wishing to volunteer. Our goal at Clarington Volunteers is to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 while supporting community efforts, as long as it safe to do so.  Any new volunteer opportunities must be related to support for essential services and vulnerable populations for COVID-19.  The Municipality of Clarington provides updated tips and resources to keep our community safe; visit www.clarington.net/covid-19 for more information.  

VOLUNTEERS 

Volunteers are urgently needed during this pandemic to help groups provide essential services to the most vulnerable people in our community.  If you are healthy and not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, consider volunteering where help is needed. If you respond to an opportunity and if at any time you are not comfortable with your involvement or what you are being asked to do, stop immediately.  Click here for current opportunities.  Please review this volunteering checklist provided by Volunteer Canada. 

ORGANIZATIONS HOSTING VOLUNTEERS 

Safety is our top priority during the COVID-19 community response.  We are monitoring Durham Region Health Department, Lakeridge Health, Ontario Ministry of Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines; however, visit their sites with the links provided for the most up-to-date information.   

Use precaution when organizing in-person volunteer support for COVID-19 response. Here are suggestions for items to have on hand or for procedures to utilize. 

  • Have hand sanitizer easily available and accessible hand washing stations. 
  • Provide sufficient and accessible infection control supplies (e.g. hand-hygiene products, tissues, disinfectant wipes and receptacles for their disposal) in all locations. 
  • Instruct volunteers to wash their hands upon entering your building. 
  • Post visible displays of preventive measures (e.g. flyers, signage). 
  • Consider a simple screening option for volunteers and posting signage for all to see.   
  • Ensure that bathrooms and shared spaces are deep-cleaned and disinfected per the Public Health Agency of Canada. 
  • Limit convening in populated areas, such as waiting rooms, lobbies, etc. 
  • Make sure you have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e. masks, gloves, etc) available and make sure you train volunteers on its proper use before allowing them to do any tasks that require PPE. 
  • Make sure all volunteers understand any risks associated with the task you would like them to do and understand if they are not comfortable with that level of risk. 
  • Space volunteers/staff at least 2 metres / 6 feet apart 

Other Best Practices for Managing Volunteers: 

  • Have a sign-in sheet with basic information such as:  
    • First and Last Name  
    • Phone Number  
    • Emergency contact information in the event of an onsite emergency  
  • Have volunteers sign a waiver if you have one.  
  • Make sure all instructions are clear and that everyone has a task- your job is to manage the workload and people, not completing the task at hand unless you're working with a small group.  
  • Check-in with volunteers periodically to ensure they're feeling well, are following safety guidelines and have the tools and guidance they need. 

Want to List an Opportunity with Clarington Volunteers? 

Click here to create your free organization account.     

Need assistance?  claringtonvolunteers@clarington.net